A 22-year-old woman with stable non-segmental vitiligo for 2 years is seeking surgical treatment. She has 5% total body surface area affected. The gold standard surgical procedure offering the best color match for vitiligo is:

• A Split-thickness skin grafting
• B Mini-punch grafting
• C Cultured melanocyte transplantation
• D Suction blister epidermal grafting (SBEG) ✓

Explanation

Suction blister epidermal grafting (SBEG) is considered the gold standard surgical procedure for stable vitiligo because it transfers non-traumatized epidermal grafts containing viable melanocytes with excellent color match and minimal donor site morbidity (no scarring). SBEG is applicable for smaller areas and flat surfaces. Mini-punch grafting is simpler but gives a 'cobblestone' appearance. Split-thickness grafting causes donor site scarring. Cultured melanocyte transplantation (Noncultured epidermal cell suspension/ReCell) is newer, can cover larger areas, but requires cell culture facilities and provides variable results. Stability criteria (no new lesions for 6-12 months, positive minigrafting test) must be met before surgery.

Reference: Neena Khanna Illustrated Synopsis of Dermatology & STD, 6th ed.

High-yield for: NEET PGINI-CETNExTFMGEUSMLEPLABMRCP

Written and medically reviewed by the StethoPrep medical team.